PRC Closes In on Naming New Chief of Staff: Interim appointee returning to prior post at Insurance Division [Albuquerque Journal, N.M.]

May 27--The Public Regulation Commission could select a new chief of staff on Tuesday, but it won't be Johnny Montoya, who was appointed to the interim position this spring.

Montoya said he withdrew his name as a candidate last week. He plans to return to the Insurance Division as compliance director, his previous position. After careful consideration with the family, I just felt the timing wasn't

right for me to be in the position," he said Wednesday, noting that among other things, having three new commissioners taking office in January factored in his decision. He added, "Quite honestly, with the changes we've had in leadership in the Insurance

Division , I really believe they need my skills set as a manager in the Insurance Division right now."

Montoya was appointed in April to replace Danny Mayfield, who stepped down to run for the Santa Fe County Commission, until the position was filled permanently.

Montoya said he thought he made some strides to make the PRC more transparent and to "instill integrity and honesty in our hiring practices." He conceded having five bosses -- the commission -- is a challenge.

"In order to fix this place, you really have to be aggressive, you have to be bold, you have to be willing to say no and push back," he said. "I'm at a stage now, I'm willing to take on the aggressiveness, but we have three incoming commissioners in January and things can change here dramatically."

Ninety people applied for the position. The list has been pared to a top three, PRC Chairman David King said. A decision could be made Tuesday.

Montoya, who is married to King's first cousin, state Rep. Rhonda King, made each commissioner's short list before he withdrew his candidacy, King said. He said Montoya had done a good job and lifted department morale. "He was a strong candidate," King said. "But there were a lot of other strong candidates."

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